The Four Seasons Hotel chain is recognized as one of the leading hotel chains in the world. The hotel management is known for their attentive service to guests every need, but they always seem to go the extra mile to accommodate even the most demanding guest, no matter how curious or humorous the guest may be.

The French waiter at the Bora Bora hotel patiently says; “Oui Madam” as I order a B. L. T.  sandwich for lunch. First of all the bacon, lettuce and tomato, sandwich isn’t on the menu and secondly they must translate my lame french. “Avez vous croque monsieur sans jambon?”  ”So you want a grilled cheese sandwich then?” says the waiter without cracking a smile. Later that night I’m mortified as I google my French phrase interpreted as; “Have crunches mister without ham?” I swear a croque monsieur is a ham and cheese sandwich, I know I ordered one the last time I was in France.

Sadly, The Four Seasons Hospitality doesn’t extend to our underwater adventures. The dive starts well but quickly deteriorates when Tom swims towards an underwater canyon. Every the watchful dive buddy, I waited patiently as Tom poked about the various nooks and crannies of the small crevasse. A Napoleon fish also watches Tom as it swims protectively around the ocean floor. Rather strange behavior (the fish not Tom) but one never knows about the vagaries of fish. As Tom nears the fish, named after the fallen emperor, Napoleon suddenly makes a dodge straight for Tom’s face. Naturally Tom put his arm up by his mask to avoid a snaggletoothed bite. Tom has always claimed his feet and hands are lethal weapons but I didn’t witness any battle underwater. The jewel colored fish savagely bit Tom’s arm and quickly retreated — but not faster than Tom.

As Tom swims up beside me, he seems a bit surprised but otherwise okay. I can’t wait to hear his version of the story when we surface.

Back in the dive boat, Tom proudly shows his teeth marks to every passenger on the boat. All are duly impressed, but especially Tom, as a few spots of blood drip down his arm.

Tom suffers a savage bite from a Napoleon fish.

Later at lunch, our waiter ask about our dive, as he does everyday, he too is a diver. Tom immediately pulls up his sleeve and tells the tale of the mighty Napoleon fish and the fierce underwater battle, only in the case Napoleon won. All this spoken in English bien sur (of course.) The waiter patiently listens and exclaims, “I report to the concierge immediately.” Self not sure if the Four Season perfect manners extends underwater, either way, it makes a humorous story.